accommodation

Springfort Hall, Mallow, Co Cork – hotel

by jenjunebug

Springfort Hall, Mallow, Co Cork – hotel €

https://www.springfort-hall.com

The website tells us:

“Tucked away amid tranquil woodlands , Springfort Hall Country House Hotel is a hotel for all seasons . The gardens and lawns at this 4 Star Hotel are a delight during the Summer , while in the Winter months, there’s no better place to relax with a glass of red wine than in The Baltydaniel Bar. Add to this , impeccably maintained 4 Star Accommodation and Sumptuous dining in The Limetree Restaurant and you will discover a wonderful 18th Century Country House Hotel Countryside. Explore one of the finest 4 Star Springfort Hall Country House Hotel.“

Mark Bence-Jones tells us Springfort is (1988):

“(Foott/LGI1912; Grove-White/IFR; Clarke/IFR) A two storey early C19 house with two deep curved bows on each side of its two principal fronts. Open porch with square piers on entrance front, between the two bows and below a central Wyatt window; large triple windows in lower storey of bows. Service wing at side. Spacious bow-eded reception rooms; ceilings and surrounds of early C19 plasterwork. Plaster Gothic vaulting in staircase hall.” 

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/20902515/springfort-hall-baltydaniel-east-co-cork

Detached five-bay two-storey country house, built c. 1820, facing east, having bowed south gable end, double bows to north elevation with canted single-bay single-storey porch projection, two-storey addition to north-west, and recent pitched-roofed extension to south-west with further canted-plan flat-roofed extension. Now in use as hotel. Hipped artificial slate roofs, coned to bows, with rendered chimneystacks and render eaves course. Painted rendered walls with dressed limestone plinth. Square-headed window openings with timber sliding sash windows to older blocks, having six-over-six pane windows to first floor and nine-over-six pane windows to ground floor, with cut limestone sills. Replacement windows to south-west block. Tripartite windows to first floor of front and north elevations with six-over-six pane window having two-over-two pane sidelights, and tripartite windows to ground floor of bows of north elevation with six-over-nine windows having two-over-three pane sidelights and render cornices. Elliptical-headed entrance doorway to front elevation with timber panelled door flanked by fluted timber pilasters with scrolled consoles, fixed timber paned sidelights and timber architrave surmounted by ornate fanlight, set into stepped plan projection and flanked by fluted render pilasters with render plinths, architrave, frieze and moulded cornice. Flagged approach having limestone walls to each side. Rendered boundary walls to road entrance with cast-iron railings and cast-iron piers with ball finials and cast-iron double-leaf gates. Former farmyard complex to south-west, built c. 1820, now in use as hotel and outbuildings, comprising eight-bay single-storey former stable block to west having flat corrugated-iron roof, dressed sandstone cornice with square-headed vents above, rubble stone walls with rubble stone buttresses and square-headed timber battened half-doors and sliding sash window. Three-bay single-storey block at right angles to north elevation of west block, with square-headed uPVC door and cut sandstone voussoirs. Six-bay two-storey block to east with pitched slate roof, cut-stone eaves course, rubble stone walls and square-headed timber windows and recent vents. Six-bay two-storey coachman’s house to south-east with pitched artificial slate roof, overhanging eaves, painted rendered walls with square-headed openings having cut stone voussoirs to some, three-over-three pane and two-over-two pane timber sliding sash windows and render sills, square-headed timber battened door and gabled timber canopy above supported by decorative timber brackets. Two-bay single-storey former coach house to north with flat roof, carved limestone cornice, rubble stone walls and elliptical-arched openings with cut-stone voussoirs and timber and glazed fittings. Crenellated rubble stone wall to north with gable to centre and pointed arch opening with cut-stone voussiors, now infilled with rubble stone. 

Appraisal 

The regular proportions, tall windows and symmetrical façade of this house make it an imposing feature on the landscape. The bowed ends add to this, as does the classically-inspired door surround. Ornamentation of the façade is restricted to the door surround and the very decorative fanlight. The building’s interest is enhanced by the several periods of building and by the retention of features such as the variety of timber sash windows and the panelled entrance door. The associated farmyard once formed part of the working farm and is currently in use as part of the hotel. These structures retain interesting features such as the timber half-doors and sash windows. The crenellated gabled boundary wall is an unusual and notable feature, which adds interest to the site. 

http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/property-list.jsp?letter=S

A branch of the Foott family were resident at Springfort from the early 18th century. The house was occupied by James Foot in 1814 and by [his grandson] another James Foote in the early 1850s, who held the property from the Earl of Limerick. Hajba writes that Springfort Hall was bought by Charles W. Wyatt in 1854 and sold again four years later to Captain Spencer Stewart, a grandson of the 7th Earl of Galloway. Springfort remained in the possession of the Stewart family until the beginning of the 20th century. It was leased to Commander Hans Thomas Fell White in 1895. It now functions as a country house hotel.   

Lota Lodge (now Vienna Woods hotel), Glanmire, County Cork

by jenjunebug

Vienna Woods Hotel (formerly Lota Lodge), Glanmire, Co Cork €

https://www.viennawoodshotel.com/

Mark Bence-Jones writes of Lota Lodge (1988): p. 191. “(Sharman-Crawford/LGI1912) A two storey Regency house with circular projections and iron veranda. Eaved roof. Partly destroyed by fire 1902, rebuilt 1903.” 

The website tells us:

“Cork’s Vienna Woods Country House Hotel has a history as dramatic as the rich mustard tone that sets the building apart from the surrounding woodlands on the peaks of Glanmire, Co. Cork.

“The building, perched on a height overlooking the Glashaboy River, has stood proudly since 1756. Built by Davis Ducart as a summer leisure lodge for Lord Barrymore, the building was designed in the Regency Style, a style that was very popular in the latter part of the 18th century.

“Characteristic traits of the Regency Style include an emphasis on the classical form, and the forging of a close relationship between structure and the landscape, evident in The Vienna Woods Country House Hotel, which nestles in to the surrounding mountainous woodlands.

“Vienna Woods, or Lota Lodge as it was originally titled, forms part of a collection of grand country houses in the Glanmire area of Cork, like; Dunkathel House, Glenkeen, Glyntown House, Lauriston House and Brooklodge House.

“The house was home to AF Sharman Crawford and his family from 1875-1946, who was thankfully here to restore the house to its original glory after a fire in the early 1900s destroyed some of the original building. Crawford was a managing director of the Beamish and Crawford Brewery, (which was founded by his uncle, William Crawford II), and the city of Cork benefited from his philanthropic disposition, particularly in the arts; in fact the Crawford family funded the establishment of the Crawford Art Gallery and the Crawford School of Art.

“As with so many other grand houses in 20th century Ireland, the building was purchased by a religious order in 1951, and was used as a seminary for 13 years, until it was converted into a hotel in 1964 by Joan Shubuek renamed the building ‘Vienna Woods’, because of the parallels she drew between the area, and the Austrian capital city where she had lived for a number of years.

“The Fitzgerald family along with Michael Magner, bought the hotel in 2006 and renamed it ‘The Vienna Woods Country House Hotel’. Michael Magner, one of the co-owners, is also the General Manager of the hotel, and this close level of personal care and involvement is most evident in the building’s most dramatic makeover to date, which has taken almost fifteen years to complete.  The Fitzgeralds/Magners have lovingly and painstakingly restored much of the original protected features of the building.“

Barnabrow, Cloyne, Co Cork – accommodation

by jenjunebug

Barnabrow, Cloyne, Co Cork – accommodation (22 bedrooms)

https://www.barnabrowhouse.ie/

The website tells us: “Barnabrow Country House: in idyllic East Cork is discreet – it is like a secret garden that beckons. Visitors may happen upon it nestled in the rolling hills of East Cork with distant but tantalising glimpses of Ballycotton Bay. At first glance it appears contained – its banqueting hall, high on the hill, is not obvious, the twenty-two bedrooms are tucked away in various courtyards and the cottages are not apparent. 

“The meandering passages entice the curious to explore, its various decks with their pleasing views invite others to relax while the menagerie of animals offers solace. Combined, these elements make Barnbrow Country House an atmospheric, intimate setting where memories, that last a lifetime, are created.  

“Barnabrow Country House in East Cork is one of the most idyllic locations for romantic weddings, corporate events, special celebrations and group gatherings.  

“The family and staff at Barnabrow are proud to act as caretaker of this lovingly-restored manor house and 30-acre estate which dates back to the 17th century. A recurrent comment of our guests is an appreciation of the relaxed and warm atmosphere here. Primarily we wish to share this great house with you. 

“For the past four years, Head Chef, Stuart Bowes, who is Michelin Star-trained, has ensured a new level of excellence in our food: jus is prepared over three days, handmade sweets are on the pillows, herbal aromas pervade the air.  

“Mary Russell’s discerning eye adds an artistic dab here and there to enhance the visual feast that Barnabrow has gradually become. Liam Irwan, our steadfast gardener, preserves its organic nature and tends to the donkeys, goats and fowl that so add to its ambiance.“

Cloyne, Midleton, East Cork, Ireland. 
info@barnabrowhouse.ie 
+353 21 4652534  

Mark Bence-Jones writes in A Guide to Irish Country Houses (1988):

p. 32. “A three storey 3 bay double gable-ended C18 house with single-storey 2 bay C19 wings. Wyatt windows in 2 lower storeys of C18 block. In 1814 the residence of Timothy Lane; in 1837, of J.R. Wilkinson; in recent years, of Lt-Cmdr and Mrs Whitehouse.”

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/20907738/barnabrow-house-barnabrow-co-cork

Detached double-pile three-bay three-storey former country house built c. 1750, with two-bay single-storey slightly projecting wings with pitched slate roofs attached to east and west gables, and having flat-roofed single-bay two-storey extension to rear (north) of east wing, and lean-to single-bay single-storey extension to rear of west wing. Now in use as house and guest house. Pitched slate roofs with rendered end chimneystacks render eaves course and recent rooflights. Rendered walls with render quoins and render string courses to wings, render removed to rear elevation of main block. Square-headed openings with timber sliding sash windows to main block, two-over-two pane to second floor, to porch, and to rear and side elevations, tripartite with two-over-two pane flanked by one-over-one pane to ground and first floor front elevations. Square-headed window opening to lean-to extension with small pane fixed timber window. Round-headed window openings to east and west wings with two-over-two pane timber sliding sash windows with bipartite overlights. Square-headed door opening with half-glazed timber panelled double-leaf doors with one-over-one pane timber sliding sash windows as sidelights to porch. Square-headed opening with double-leaf half-glazed timber panelled doors within porch. Square-headed door openings to rear with half-glazed timber panelled door and double-leaf doors. Two ranges of converted outbuildings to rear of house, having pitched slate roofs with dormers, rendered and rubble stone walls, square-headed openings with replacement timber fittings. Recent restaurant building to rear of house. Dressed limestone steps with rubble limestone retaining walls to west of site. Remains of walled garden to east. Rubble stone entrance walls and square-profile piers with pointed arch niches, and wrought-iron double-leaf gates. Four-bay single-storey gate lodge, having hipped slate roof, rendered walls with render quoins, and pointed arch openings with fixed windows with Y-tracery and timber battened door. 

Appraisal 

Combination of simple geometric forms creating large imposing structure. Timber sash windows add depth and texture to façade. Main block flanked by lower wings, all with pitched roofs, reminiscent of other houses in the locality such as Ballyannan House, Bridgefield House and Kilbree House. Makes interesting group with converted outbuildings, incidental features such as steps, walls and gates, and the gate lodge. 

Careysville (Ballymacpatrick Castle), Clondulane, Fermoy, County Cork, P61 VF53

by jenjunebug

Careysville (Ballymacpatrick Castle), Clondulane, Fermoy, County Cork, P61 VF53 – accommodation for 11 guests

https://careysville.com 

“Careysville House sits on an escarpment overlooking the fishery, with stunning views of the Blackwater valley. Guests can look out of their bedroom window and see one of the most stunning stretches of salmon fishing in Ireland, not to mention watch the salmon jumping in the pools below. It was built in 1812 in the Georgian style, on the site of the old ruined Ballymacpatrick Castle.“

Mark Bence-Jones writes in A Guide to Irish Country Houses (1988):

 p. 56. “[Montgomery of Killee; Cavendish, Devonshire] “A C18 house of 2 storeys over a high basement and 5 bays, above the River Blackwater. Subtly spaced windows. The seat of the Carey family; passed by inheritance to the Montgomery family, from whom it was bought by the Duke of Devonshire, whose Irish seat, Lismore Castle, is a few miles further down the river.” 

https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/building/20903605/careysville-careysville-co-cork

Detached five-bay two-storey over basement house, built c. 1810, facing south, having five-bay side and rear elevations, and porch to front. Now in use as fishing lodge. Hipped slate roof with rendered chimneystacks. Flat roof to porch. Roughcast rendered walls with limestone plinth course between basement and ground floor. Timber sliding sash windows throughout, with mainly square-headed openings, having six-over-six pane timber sliding sash windows to second floor and nine-over-six pane to first floor, all with limestone sills. Camber-headed openings to basement level having six-over-six pane windows. Oeuil-de-boeuf window to west elevation with fixed glazed window and render sill. Round-headed window openings to middle bay of rear with six-over-six and six-over-three pane windows with spoked fanlights. Round-headed opening to west elevation with sixteen-over-six pane timber sliding sash window with paned fanlight and render sill. Camber-headed window opening to front of porch having six-over-six pane window with limestone sill. Porch comprising moulded render cornice and entablature with moulded render string courses and with cut limestone plinth course, having pilasters to corners with moulded limestone plinths. Camber-headed door openings with paned overlights and timber panelled double-leaf doors, approached by limestone steps. Four-bay three-storey building, possibly former mill, to east, with pitched slate roof, coursed rubble limestone walls with roughly dressed limestone voussoirs, and square-headed openings with fixed timber fittings to windows and timber battened doors. Multiple-bay single-storey outbuilding to east with pitched and hipped slate roof and brick chimneystack, roughcast rendered walls and square-headed openings with timber louvers and timber battened doors, also having segmental-arch vehicular entrance to one end with corrugated-iron double-leaf doors and segmental-headed opening with timber panelled door. Single-bay single-storey outbuilding to west with pitched slate roof, coursed rubble limestone walls, segmental-arched vehicular entrance with timber battened double-leaf doors and dressed limestone voussoirs. Square-profile roughcast rendered coursed limestone piers to road entrance with sweeping walls. 

Appraisal 

Built on the site of Ballypatrick Castle, this house has been used as a fishing lodge by the Duke of Devonshire for many years. It is a substantial house with elegant proportions and articulated by its cut limestone plinth course. The building retains many notable features and materials such as the varied timber sash windows and slate roof. The classically inspired porch retains its timber panelled doors and flanking pilasters. The different window treatments to the side and rear provide further interest to the house. The site retains associated structures such as the solidly constructed outbuildings, which provide valuable context to the side. The piers are finely crafted and indicative of the quality of late eighteenth and early nineteenth-century craftsmanship. 

http://landedestates.nuigalway.ie/LandedEstates/jsp/property-list.jsp?letter=C

Careysville Castle, originally known as Ballymacpatrick Castle, was the seat of the Carey family from the late 17th century. In 1750 Careysville was occupied by John Carey and Peter Carey was resident in 1814. In 1837 Lewis refers to “the handsome modern mansion built on the site of Careysville castle” by E.K. Carey. Valued at £50 in the mid 19th century the Careys held this property in fee. Inherited by the Montgomerys of Killee and sold by them to the Duke of Devonshire in the mid 20th century. In 1942 the Irish Tourist Association Survey noted that the house was then unoccupied as Captain Montgomery had moved into a modern bungalow nearby. Careysville is now in use as a fishing lodge offering luxury accommodation.   

Crosshaven House, Crosshaven, Co. Cork

by jenjunebug

Crosshaven House, Crosshaven, Co. Cork – whole house rental

Crosshaven House, County Cork, photograph courtesy of the houses’s website https://www.crosshavenhouse.ie

https://www.crosshavenhouse.ie/

“Crosshaven House is an elegant eighteenth century country house set in the picturesque village of Crosshaven, overlooking Currabinny Wood and Cork Harbour. It is where the spaci

“Crosshaven House, sited in Knocknagore townland, was in the ownership of the Hayes family since the lands were first purchased by Richard Hayes of Cork City in 1656 from Peyton Le Hunte, a Cromwellian grantee. The land was bought for a sum of £247 and 10 shillings. Richard Hayes built a residence, which stood from 1656 until 1769, when a descendant in line, William Hayes II, decided to demolish this old mansion, and construct a new one a short distance away. This became known as Crosshaven House. 

Crosshaven House, County Cork, photograph by Robert French, (between ca. 1865-1914), Lawrence Photograph Collection, National Library of Ireland.

“Crosshaven House was built by the Sardinian architect Daviso de Arcort, who was better known as Davis Ducart. Well known in Ireland for his work in smaller country houses, large houses and civic buildings around Ireland, prior to designing aesthetically pleasing grand buildings, Ducart was involved in industrial construction, most notably the Newry Canal completed in 1741, the first inland waterway to be constructed on the British Isles. Ducart was responsible for the design of the Limerick Custom House in 1765; Castletown Cox, Co Kilkenny built in the 1760s for Michael Cox, Archbishop of Cashel; Kilshannig, Co. Cork, commenced in 1756; the Mansion House, Cork, was commissioned by the City Corporation in 1765; and Lota House, Cork in 1765. 

“Although built in 1769, as indicated on the datestone inscribed “W. Hayes 1769” which is fixed to the wall surface of the attic with iron pegs, the interior of Crosshaven House was left unfinished until 1810. A study of the Hayes family-tree offers a possible explanation for the difference in date of the basic structure and the interior of Crosshaven House. The original owner of Crosshaven House, William Hayes II, died unmarried in 1770, just one year after its construction. His new mansion and estate of 1,571 acres passed to his brother Richard who was established in business in Cork City and did not marry until 1776. 

“Upon his death, Richard’s youngest son Thomas inherited the House, married in 1807 and died in 1817. 

“This fact conforms to the stylistic evidence which suggests the House was not finished until the time of his marriage in 1807 or soon after. In the past, access from the main part of the house was available to the two stable wings through a tunnel. Since there was no service yard around the north of the main block, the tunnel was used to bring in supplies. There was evidence that another tunnel was used in the original house in 1659 for smuggling purposes, but no evidence for this remains today. 

“Most of the decorative interior details of Crosshaven House, such as the ceiling plasterwork and cornicing, the joinery and ironmongery date from circa 1810. Expert Italian craftsmen carried out the plasterwork at the beginning of the nineteenth Century, and this was carefully conserved and restored in 2006. The last member of the Hayes family to have possession of Crosshaven House was Colonel Hayes, until he sold it in 1973 to Mr Graham Flint of Florida. In recent years the house was meticulously restored to its former glory while enjoying the comforts of contemporary living.”

Rincolisky Castle, Whitehall, Co Cork

by jenjunebug

Rincolisky Castle, Whitehall, co Cork – renovated, whole house  €€€ for 2, € for 5.

 https://www.airbnb.ie/rooms/20771431?source_impression_id=p3_1646737924_o%2BwxYCDhpDgJDHfX

“Rincolisky Castle, sometimes also called Whitehall Castle, lies on a hill on the southern shore or Roaringwater Bay, in County Cork in Ireland.

“Rincolisky Castle, originally a 5 storey high, square tower house was built in 1495 by the powerful local O’Driscoll clan.

“In 1602, after the Battle of Kinsale, the castle was easily taken by English forces. It was then given to Sir Walter Coppinger. He changed the name of the castle into Whitehall, after the townland in which it is situated. The Coppingers lost their possessions in 1690 for supporting James II.

“It was then given to Samuel Townsend. The Townsends built a new mansion nearby; Whitehall House. They removed the 3 upper floors of Rincolisky Castle to provide building material for their new mansion. From then on the truncated 2 storeys high remnant of Rincolisky Castle fell to ruin. It is said that there is a tunnel leading from the castle to the mansion. One of the Townsends sent his little page boy down the passage to see if it was clear. The boy was never seen again.

“In 2000, the ivy covered ruin of Rincolisky Castle was restored and made habitable again.” [1]

[1] https://www.castles.nl/rincolisky-castle.

http://irishantiquities.bravehost.com/cork/whitehall/rincolisky.html

Rincolisky Castle, in Whitehall td, is two storeys high at present but stood at least one storey higher. The entrance doorway is in the doorway in the east wall. There is another large opening at first floor level above the doorway. The large ground floor room is lit by one narrow window set within a deep splayed recess. The castle is vaulted above the first floor. There are no stairs leading from the ground floor but remains of stairs can be seen rising within the east wall to above the vault. There is a latrine-chute exit in the north wall at first floor level. The building is in quite good condition but half-covered with ivy. This is an O’Driscoll castle reputedly built in 1495. 

https://roaringwaterjournal.com/2022/12/11/rincolisky-castle-a-loving-restoration/

Rincolisky, also known as Whitehall (the name of the townland in which it stands) was a castle of the O’Driscoll Clan – the fierce, sea-going, fabulously wealthy family whose seats of power were in Baltimore (Dún na Séad, or Castle of the Jewels) and Cape Clear (Dún an Óir, or Castle of Gold).  

The siting is interesting. It is in clear view of Kilcoe Castle, built by the McCarthys probably to keep an eye on the O’Driscolls and the O’Mahonys, and Rossbrin Castle would also have been visible battlement-to-battlement. Here’s what Samuel has to say about that in his Tower Houses of West Cork; 

The tower house seems to have been located to defend the isthmus between Cunnamore and the mainland; the isthmus would ease the defence of herds of cattle and it is possible that some form of occupation may have existed before the construction of the tower house. The defensive strength of the site seems to have have been deliberately enhanced by the quarrying required for the tower house’s construction. The scarp faces eastward, perhaps because attack from this direction was expected. 

SAMUEL, MARK WYCLIFFE. THE TOWER HOUSES OF WEST CORK 

The name Rincolisky comes from the Irish Rinn Cuil-Uisce, or Point of the Backwater. It appears to be 15th century, as are many of the castles in this region, and there is one documentary mention of the year 1495 as the year in which is was built. After the Battle of Kinsale and the subsequent subduing of all the West Cork clans, it passed into the ownership of Sir Walter Coppinger, along with the lands, which apparently included a ‘town’ of which no trace now remains. The Coppingers remained in possession throughout the tumultuous 17th century after which time is passed to their relatives, the Townsends. At some point in the 18th century the Townsends abandoned the draughty old tower house in favour of a more comfortable manor house (like the ones described here), styled Whitehall. They may have used stone from the castle (the upper floors) or the bawn walls in its construction. This would explain the total absence above ground of traces of the bawn.  At this point, Rincolisky fell into disuse and became, as is the fate of so many West Cork castles, a convenient place for a local farmer to keep cattle (below, photo by Margaret McCarthy). And so it remained for a couple of centuries, until it found the champion it needed and deserved.  

Stephanie Jaax loved this area and spent summers here with her parents who owned the castle. She was determined to bring it back to life and what a daunting proposition that was! Stephanie was also set on doing it properly and this involved getting all the required surveys and assessments done by archaeologists and working to conservation and historical standards at all times. To see how well she has succeeded, take a look at this video, which shows not only the castle, but the surrounding area. 

Rincolisky is one of the Raised Entry Castles of West Cork. Similar to Ardintenant and to Black Castle. Black Castle (or Leamcon) has the same layout, in fact, with the raised entry directly above the ground entry.  

Rincolisky Castle offers a wonderful opportunity to observe how three spaces could be accommodated beneath the vault.  

The main kitchen/dining area at Rincolisky is on the ground floor (unlike at Leamcon where it is on the top floor). Originally this area may have been used for storage and it was self-contained – that is, there would have been no access to any other floor from this level. 

Now, however, a wooden stairway leads to the second story, a wooden floor laid on the joists which were stretched between the joist stones in the walls (see Dunmanus Castle for examples of this. From this floor, a spiral stairway leads up to the final floor under the vault, used now as a sleeping space. One surprising things is that the areas under the vault are not as dark as I imagined they would be. given so few, and such small, windows. Partly this is because of the whitewashed lime render which really helps to brighten up the interior, and partly it is the result of clever and subtle lighting. 

Access to the second floor in the 15th century would in fact have been from the outside. The raised entry, now repurposed as a window but originally a door, was what separated the public from the private areas of the castle. Ascending the outside steps to the raised entry, you would go straight ahead into the second floor, or turn left to ascend the steep stone stairs to the storeys above the vault.  

The second floor may have been used as a public space where the chief met with others and carried out the business of the clan lands. But see also further down – it was possible this kind of business was conducted in an adjacent ‘hall.’ 

The private areas of the castle – the home of the chief and his family – were accessed by ascending the steep mural staircase which then turned into a spiral staircase within the corner of the castle.  Nowadays this brings you to the final floor of the castle, used for sleeping, living and bathing. But originally this would have led up to two more stories and access to the wall walk and roof.  

The current top floor is beautifully done – with a bedroom, bathroom and living room. The crowing glory is a sunny terrace with stunning views across the sea and surrounding countryside. 

Throughout all her renovations, Stephanie has employed archaeologists to carefully excavate and uncover all the original features and has followed best practice as provided by Cork County Council Planning Department and heritage experts.  

The photograph above is of three distinguished medievalists – from the left Con Manning, Margaret McCarthy and Eamonn Cotter – pondering over the most recent excavation. 

This, of course, has severely limited what she was able to do and how she had to do it, and made it more expensive. This process continues, as the area around the entrance was excavated this summer by Eamonn Cotter to try to establish what lay immediately outside the ground-level and raised entries. His finding have turned up the original lime render (Above) which would have coated the entire building (leading to the name White Hall), traces of the original bawn wall (found also in the previous excavations) and a complex series of structures which were built, and collapsed, over time.  

These structures incorporated what may have been a bread oven and it seems the buildings were attached to the castle, as evidence by traces of a gable wall, now no longer visible. Eamonn posits that the first building may have been a ‘hall’. In his report he says. 

At some point in the 17th century the building was roofed with local slate and imported North Devon ridge tile. . . 

It is well established from historical sources and from excavations that many, if not all, tower houses had ground-floor buildings attached or adjacent to them, buildings generally identified as halls. . . The building uncovered at Rincolisky may be interpreted as such a hall. Its roof, with imported glazed ridge tile, would certainly suggest it was a high status building. Its location, immediately adjacent to the castle and tucked into a corner of the bawn, is replicated in other tower houses. . .  

Halls were for the conduct of business and meetings. This hall was replaced by another building during the 17th or 18th century, but this building has left no clear evidence of its purpose or longevity. 

When we see Rincolisky now, it sits alone and isolated. It is hard to imagine that it was a bustling place, surrounded by an enclosed bawn, with other buildings inside the bawn and even attached to the castle, while a nearby ‘town’ carried on all the business of medieval trade. What is not hard to imagine is that, without Stephanie’s dedication, care and attention to detail, this castle would have ended, as so many others have, crumbling into an unrecoverable state. All of us owe her our appreciation and gratitude for salvaging and lovingly restoring such an important part of our heritage. 

And what about you? Ever had a hankering to stay in a castle? Rincolisky is available to rent – so why not give it a go? Check out the listing on VRBO and read Stephanie’s own description of the thoughtful way she approached both the reconstruction and the furnishing of the castle. 

Perryville, Kinsale, Co Cork – hotel

by jenjunebug

Perryville, Kinsale, Co Cork – hotel €€

 https://www.perryvillehouse.com

The website tells us:

“Perryville House is an elegant and distinctive period townhouse overlooking Kinsale Harbour, County Cork in the south of Ireland. Originally built in 1820 and lovingly restored by us, Perryville House is now a warm, gracious and light-filled boutique guesthouse.

“True to its original role as a private residence, Perryville House welcomes guests from all over the world to share and enjoy the finest Irish hospitality and luxury accommodation in Kinsale — your first stop on the Wild Atlantic Way. We invite you to savour a one-of-a-kind, historic hotel experience.

“A masterpiece of Georgian architecture with later Victorian embellishment, Perryville House was built in 1820 by Captain Adam Warren Perry for his family whose ancestors continued to reside here until the late 1950s. It had various owners from then until 1997 when fired by the beauty, character and history of this lovely house, Andrew & Laura Corcoran undertook the mammoth task of refurbishing and bringing it back to its former glory. Situated in the heart of Kinsale, overlooking the harbour, Perryville House welcomes guests from April to October each year.“

Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.    

p. 231. “(Warren-Perry, sub Lucas/IFR) Two houses on the waterfront east of the town of Kinsale turned into a three storey art-nouveau mansion with a sinuous cast-iron veranda and an extraordinary horseshoe shaped arch of plasterwork over the front door by Capt Adam Warren-Perry 1890s. The house boasted a ballroom and a drawing room in the French style, for Capt Warren-Petty hoped to entertain; but somehow he never did. His house was in too grand a manner for late-Victorian Kinsale.” 

Maryborough, Douglas, Co Cork

by jenjunebug

Maryborough, Douglas, Co Cork – Maryborough Hotel €€

  https://www.maryborough.com

Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.

The website tells us:

“Located in the leafy suburbs of Douglas, yet minutes from Cork City Centre, The Maryborough has a character and style all of its own. Set in 18 acres of 300-year-old listed gardens and woodland, our family-owned boutique hotel affords guests an experience in luxury itself and is among the top hotels in Cork.  The Maryborough Hotel is unique with its charming 18th Century Mansion accompanied by the creatively designed contemporary extension. All of this combined makes The Maryborough the perfect destination.

“The hotel delivers a unique experience in an exceptional atmosphere. From the moment you enter, we will guarantee you a level of personal service and care designed to match the exquisite surroundings of our 300-year-old listed gardens. Guests can enjoy an award-winning restaurant in Cork, state of the art Leisure Club and luxurious ESPA spa.

Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.

Our History

“The Maryborough Hotel & Spa is one of the most renowned 4 star hotels in Cork today. The Maryborough’s Georgian Manor House was built in 1710 by Mr Richard Newenham [note that a Richard Newenham of Maryborough married Sarah Devonsher, niece of Abraham Devonsher of Kilshannig]. Descendants of the Newenhams as well as other families lived there up until the 1990s when it was purchased by the O’Sullivan family. In 1997 the family opened what is now The Maryborough Hotel, a 4 star luxury hotel in Cork with 93 bedrooms.

“Since becoming a hotel, the Mansion House has fortunately retained its striking original architectural features. Some of the rooms at The Maryborough still showcase Adam style decoration – notably the entrance hall and some mantelpieces. This adds to the historical relevance of the manor house and contributes to the decadence and luxury of this boutique hotel in Cork.

“The former eighteenth-century stately home is set amid acres of woods and beautiful gardens, just south of Cork’s historical city centre in Douglas. John Newenham, a younger brother of the last Newenham owner of The Maryborough was a great gardener and collector of trees. Thanks to his inspired work the gardens at The Maryborough still host quite a collection, in particular of rhododendrons, making it one of the reasons for The Maryborough being one of the best hotels in Cork.

“The Maryborough works to continually develop a deluxe guest experience merging the hotels history with beautifully appointed accommodations. In order to incorporate the elegant grandeur of the old house into the hotel, several splendid suites were built on the upper floors of the Mansion House. Read more about our luxury suites in Cork.

“To compliment the opulent charm of the old house, the hotel’s contemporary extension was built. It is here you will find our Deluxe, Executive and Family Rooms. Spectacular architecture blended with effortless service and genuine hospitality makes the Maryborough one of the top hotels in Cork.“

Bence-Jones, Mark. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.  

p. 204. “(Newenham/IFR; Sherrard, sub Morrough/IFR) A three storey seven bay mid-C18 house with a lower late-Georgian bow-fronted addition. On the garden front, the house is weather-slated; and the main block is joined by a curving corridor to an office wing with a high-pitched sprocketed roof. Hall with ceiling of Adamesque plasterwork and floor of black and white pavement. Dining room with plasterwork frieze. Staircase of handsome C18 joinery, with Corinthian newels. Upper hall with ceiling of rococo plasterwork in the manner of Robert West. In the late-Georgian wing, there is an oval cantilevered stone staircase with an iron balustrade; the wing also formerly contained a ballroom and library, but these were destroyed by fire 1914 and rebuilt as kitchens. Originally the seat of a branch of the Newenham family; passed at the beginning of the present century to the Sherrard family.” 

The Buildings of Ireland. Cork City and County. Frank Keohane. Yale University Press: New Haven and London. 2020. 

p. 27. Of mid-C18 Palladian interiors, good representative examples with panelled dados, lugged architraves, fielded panelling and chunky cornices are found at Coole Abbey House, Assolas, Cloghroe, Kilshannig, and Blackrock House. Curiously, the heavy Palladian lugged architrave remained in use in the county long after it fell out of fashion elsewhere. At Lisnabrin, Dunkathel, Burton, Rockforest and Muckridge, the form is encountered in late C18 Neoclassical interiors, suggesting an innate conservatism among local joiners. The finest joinery in most houses is reserved for the staircase, and in many cases these have survived. The best early C18 staircases, at the Red House and Annes Grove, have alternating barley-twist and columnar balusters, big Corinthian newel posts, ramped handrails and carved tread-end brackets. Mount Alvernia (Mallow), Carrigrohane and Cloghroe all have good mid-C18 staircases of a similar type; that at Lota is exceptional in its use of mahogany and for its imperial plan. Good Neoclassical staircases, geometrical in form with delicate ironwork balustrades, survive at Maryborough, Newmarket Court and Castle Hyde; the destruction of those at Vernon Mount is a particularly sad loss. 

The best early plasterwork is that of the Swiss-Italian brothers Paolo and Filippo Lafranchini at Riverstown, where highly sculptural late Baroque figurative ornament is applied to the walls and ceilings of the Saloon… Filippo alone decorated two rooms at Kilshannig, blending late Baroque figures with lighter acanthus arabesques and putti. Rococo plasterwork featuring scrolling acanthus and birds comparable to the Dublin school of the 1760s is encountered in the Saloon at Castlemartyr, and at Maryborough. At Laurentium (Doneraile) and the Old College (Youghal), it is rather more hesitant. For the most part, stucco workers remain anonymous, so it is a happy circumstance that Patrick Osborne’s accomplished work at the former Mansion House at Cork is recorded. He also probably worked at Lota, as well as at Castle Hyde. Good Neoclassical plasterwork in low relief and employing small-scale classical motifs of the type made fashionable by Robert Adam and James Wyatt is found at Maryborough, at Old Court House (Rochestown), and at the Old College and Loreto College at Youghal.  

https://theirishaesthete.com/2025/02/24/maryborough/

A Handsome House

by theirishaesthete



‘Not far from Douglas is a handsome house adorned with a cupola and good plantations, the residence of Mr Richard Newenham, merchant in Cork, a gentleman who is the largest dealer in Ireland in the worsted trade, and employs some thousands in different parts of this country in spinning bay yarn, which he exports to Bristol.’ From The Ancient and Present State of the County and City of Cork by Charles Smith (1750). 
The Newenhams are believed to have settled in Cork in the early 17th century and to have prospered as merchants: in 1671 one of their number, John Newenham, served as Mayor of Cork city. One branch of the family would come to live at Coolmore (see Trans-Atlantic Links « The Irish Aesthete). Believed to have been born around 1705, Richard Newenham was the son of another John, a clothier who some years earlier had become a Quaker. His father-in-law, Thomas Wight, who also began professional life as a clothier, was author of A history of the rise and progress of the people called Quakers, in Ireland, from the year 1653 to 1700. The eldest of seven children, Richard Newenham prospered and, as noted by Charles Smith, developed a thriving textile business. As Daniel Beaumont has noted, he may also have been involved in the manufacture of sailcloth, because the village of Douglas, close to Maryborough, had become an important centre for this industry. Newenham also went into partnership with a number of other men in the business of ‘sugar making and sugar boiling’ on the southern outskirts of Cork city. In 1738 he married Sarah Devonsher, member of another successful Quaker family which was responsible for building Kilshannig (see Exuberance « The Irish Aesthete). 

Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.
Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.
Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.
Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.





Probably built not long before Charles Smith published his book on Cork in 1750 and thought to be on the site of an earlier house, Maryborough was then described as having a cupola, but that no longer exists. The main body of the house is rendered, of three storeys over a raised basement, and seven bays wide, the three-bay breakfront defined with limestone quoins. A substantial flight of steps leads up to the pedimented entrance doorcase, also of limestone. The rear of the house is similar, having a three-bay breakfront but with a Gibbsian doorcase and the two upper floors being slate-fronted, as is the upper section of an extension to the east. The latter’s two-storied facade is a substantial, three-bay bow. This part of the building is thought to be a later extension from c.1830 while behind it is another addition from the late 18th century, a gable-ended wing accommodating a cantilevered Portland stone staircase: Frank Keohane proposes this as the work of local architect Michael Shanahan (who also worked in Ulster for the Earl-Bishop of Derry). The interiors of Maryborough are relatively plain, as befitted the home of a member of the Quaker community, amongst whom there was strong disapproval of gratuitous ornament. However, one room on the first floor has an elaborately decorated rococo ceiling, heavily enriched with scrolling acanthus leaves and an abundance of floral bouquets. 

Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.
Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.
Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.
Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.





Following Richard Newenham’s death in 1759, Maryborough was inherited by his only son John, and after the latter died in turn his son, another Richard, inherited the property. In 1837 it was described by Samuel Lewis as ‘the residence of E.E. Newenham Esq., a noble mansion in a spacious demesne, embellished with stately timber.’
Maryborough remained in the ownership of the Newenhams until the late 19th century, although rented out for some years before being sold to Thomas Sherrard in 1889. His descendants lived there until 1995 when the place was sold to the present owners who turned the house into an hotel, with a large bedroom extension added to the south and, more recently, an orangery/function room to the immediate west of the old building.

Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.
Maryborough, County Cork, photograph courtesy Irish Aesthete.

Lough Ine House and Lodge, Skibereen, County Cork

by jenjunebug

Lough Ine House and Lodge, Skibereen, County Cork – whole house or gate lodge €€€ for two, € for 5-8; or gate lodge €

http://www.loughinehouse.com

The website tells us:

“This beautiful holiday house and cottage are set on stunning Lough Ine sometimes spelt Lough Hyne – which is well known as one of the most romantic spots in West Cork.

“Just 85km from Cork airport, Lough Ine is easily accessible but also far enough off the beaten track to be the perfect place to get away for either a romantic break or a fabulous family holiday.“

The House: “This elegant Regency house was built in 1830 as a hunting lodge for Lord Carbery and maintains several original features to this day. It is surrounded by its own 15 acre estate on the edge of Lough Ine and includes a patio garden, beautiful walkways through the woods and gardens and a private shingle beach. The Lough is a famous beauty spot 5km from Skibbereen and 4km from Baltimore in West Cork, Ireland. The estate is located in a conservation area of outstanding natural beauty.

“Elegantly furnished for comfortable country life, polished oak floors and period furniture add to the unique charm of this house. The unique vine-filled conservatory has a large breakfast area and elegant seating area with rattan furniture. Sun pours through the French windows in the interconnecting reception rooms, offering spectacular views of the garden, lough and surrounding hills.

“From the elegant panelled hall, a striking curved staircase leads you to the first floor where you will find 3 double bedrooms and a large bathroom. The two front bedrooms overlook the sea and are elegantly decorated with material on the walls and fine furniture. One has an eighteenth century four-poster bed, the others have twin beds. The charming third room overlooks the gardens. The bathroom is worth noting for its historic bathtub, which used to belong to Winston Churchill!

“On the ground floor there are two further wood panelled twin bedrooms each with their own bathroom containing bathtub and shower. The rowing boat is at your disposal to explore the island where you can see the remains of an O’Driscoll castle and picnic on the beach, or visit the shoreline and rapids that lead out to the sea.“

The Gate Lodge: “The gate lodge is an 18th Century, small cosy house at the entrance of the property on the edge of the lough, with wonderful view of the sea, the island and the fields.

“The ground floor is an open plan living room with a large fireplace, a dining area, a kitchenette and a spiral staircase leading to a twin bedroom overlooking the lough, a single bedroom and a bathroom with basin, W.C, bath and shower.“

Longueville, Mallow, Co Cork

by jenjunebug

Longueville, Mallow, Co Cork – Blue Book accommodation (2-29 people), €€€

https://www.longuevillehouse.ie/

Longueville House, photograph from myhome.ie

The website tells us:

“Longueville House is a stunning 302 year old listed Georgian Country House hidden in the heart of a 400-acre wooded estate overlooking The Blackwater Valley, County Cork – the scenic gateway to the Southwest of Ireland.

“Steeped in history and packed with character, this owner-occupied 4-star Country House Hotel operates in two distinctly different ways.       

“Firstly Longueville House warmly welcomes overnight guests for weekend and midweek stays with various themed and seasonal breaks to experience.                                                                                         

“Secondly, Longueville House may be booked privately for Small themed groups, multigenerational families and Corporate delegates who prefer the privacy and pace of an Exclusive Hire Venue. Longueville House sleeps 2 – 29 guests at full capacity. 

“Longueville is a family story where for generations. The O’Callaghans have preserved and merged their passion for the house, the land, food and entertaining, with the kitchen garden being at the heart of it all.

“Maintaining and modernising the house and grounds has been a labour of love for William and Aisling your hosts. A home-from-home, classic but informal, where open log fires crackle in vintage hearths and intriguing heirlooms jostle with fresh flowers from the garden.

“For years The O’Callaghans have made an ongoing commitment to only using home grown and local produce, celebrating the seasons, incorporating the most authentic and freshest of ingredients, thus enabling William to create menus bursting with flavour. What’s not grown or reared in Longueville is sourced from local farms and artisan suppliers.

“Our ethos is simple, our style is unstuffy, less formal. Conserving the beauty of Longueville through generations of love, to be shared with future generations to come.”

Longueville House, photograph from myhome.ie

Mark Bence-Jones tells us of Longueville:

p. 191. “(Longfield/IFR) A three storey five bay C18 block, enlarged by the addition of two storey three bay wings in the late Georgian period, probably between 1800-5 by John Longfield, MP; the centre being refaced and some of its windows altered at the same time so as to make the front uniform. One bay central breakfront, Wyatt windows in two upper storeys above a fanlighted doorway beneath a single-storey portico. One of the wings was extended at right angles to the front ca 1866, and a charming Victorian conservatory of curved ironwork was added, probably at the same time. The principal reception rooms, which have simple early C19 plasterwork and doors of inlaid mahogany, extend on either side of the entrance hall, which has a floor of Portland stone. Behind is the staircase hall, with bifurcating staircase which is most unusual in rising to the top of the house; the central ramp and two returns being repeated in the storey above. Longueville was sold by the Longfields to the late Senator William O’Callaghan, whose son and daughter-in-law have opened it as an hotel.” 

Inscription verso reads, ‘Harriette / Née McClintock – wife of Richard Longfield of Longueville Co. Cork.’ courtesy of Whyte’s May 2016. Harriet Elizabeth (c. 1814-1834) was the daughter of John McClintock (1770-1855) of County Louth and Elizabeth Trench (1784-1877), and she married Richard Longfield (1802-1889) of Longueville, County Cork.

The National Inventory tells us of the Turner conservatory:

“Constructed in 1862, this glasshouse was the last designed by Richard Turner, whose portfolio includes the conservatory at the famous Kew Gardens in London. The cast-iron framework and attractively flawed glass are of considerable technical interest and create a focal point for Longueville House, to which it is attached.“